Toto, I don't think we're in Kaanapali anymore.

Posted by iamq from California on 4/4/08

I find all the grousing and complaining about this hotel amusing. I am not a high maintenance resort person, so maybe that is why I love this place so much. It is gorgeous, quiet and tranquil. I thought the service was very good, but then I don't need to be or expect to be waited on hand and foot. Evian spritzers need not apply here. The food is not five star, but it was a solid "B" or higher. The property is gorgeous. I am glad that I never read the reviews here before I went as I would have been stressed out for no reason.

Wildly Overrated

Posted by Waterman from Chicago, Illinois on 12/28/06

We read the glowing reviews and noted the stellar rating on Zagats, so our expectations were high. But we didn't dig deep enough, apparently. We should have visited Fodors! As another reviewer noted, the main issue is service. The room service was timely and professional, but the restaurant service was poor. The tattered hotel guide indicated that breakfast in the restaurant was available through 10:30am. I showed up at the hostess desk at 10:15. Thankfully she was there. Unfortunately, she was engaged in a personal telephone conversation and couldn't be bothered with me. She just stared at me as she continued her call. Discouraged for the moment, I ventured into the bar, where a number of uniformed employees had congregated and were apparently having drinks. I entered looking bewildered. They looked up momentarily from their drinks, then when back to their socializing. Not one of them said "How can I help you?" On returning to the main restaurant, the hostess' phone conversation continued. I finally went into the restaurant to find someone to help me and succeeded in finding a polite, helpful server. Though $30 for two cups of coffee, a bowl of fruit, and some banana bread is a little steep. There are hundreds of better ways you can spend $700 per night than this.

It's OK

Posted by EWM from Atlanta, GA on 7/28/06

It's not terrible but I wouldn't recommend it for more than 3 days. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Maui for 5 nights then drove to Hana and stayed 3. That was perfect. The rooms were lovely (but no air conditioning) with great views but I don't understand the comments about the pool. It's a tiny hole in the ground with cold water in it. The beach was nice but you have to drive there. We really enjoyed the horseback riding. The food was a problem as was the ridiculous staff. They say no before a question has even left your mouth. It was really quite amusing. We loved the drive there but dreaded the drive back. It's very long and scary at times so you really only want to do it once. You're totally on your own at this place so take a good book and enjoy your company.

Top Resort? Try Clueless and Overrated

Posted by John from Santa Cruz, California on 6/14/06

We have just spent six days and nights at the Hotel Hana-Maui, and can recommend it only for naive, the uncomplicated and the undemanding. The hotel restaurant -- only one in town -- is a joke with some the crankiest staff ever to wait a table. The food is excruciatingly expensive, and uneven is the most charitable description that comes to mind. (Eating fish tacos or plate lunches at roadside stands are the only real alternatives.) The hotel management is arrogant, answering "no" several times to the simplest request before becoming grudgingly accommodating. (Housekeeping and the bell staff are friendly and engaging, however.) Given the level of service and the overall experience, the hotel costs are outrageous. If youve ever been to Post Ranch in Big Sur, owned by the same company, you probably know what a fine, close-to-nature resort can achieve. By comparison, the Hotel Hana-Maui is an embarrassment. Save your money.